| Regiment | 8th Royal Berkshire |
|---|---|
| Location | France, COMBLES |
| Entry | 1:5AM. "C" and "D" Coys under command of CAPTAIN M. WYKES MC left bivouacs at 1.5AM proceeding via FREGICOURT RD to BAPAUME - PERONNE RD thence S to positions of assembling on W edge of wood. "D" Coy suffered casualties from shell fire en route and enemy artillery was active throughout whole period of assembly. Assembly completed by 3.30am. Formation for the attack. "C" Coy in front on edge of wood with one platoon S of ride and one platoon and Coy HQ N of ride; D Coy behind in same formation B. HQrs behind "D" Coy on N side of ride. 5:30AM. The Barrage opened at 5.30am and "C" Coy moved close under it with "D" Coy maintaining relative positions. 5:50AM. Barrage moved forward. The troops kept close up with good dash and skill. Batt HQ and "D" Coy were established facing S across the main ride running S through the wood. The 4 Vickers Machine guns with the detachment were posted at this spot. "C" Coy moved forward leaving one platoon and Coy HQ on the high ground 1/4 mile from E edge of wood; the other platoon pushed forward to edge of wood and sent out a patrol 500 yds along the East edge of wood to the South. All objectives were gained by 7.10am. 7:10AM. Some isolated posts of the enemy with MGs were encountered but these put up a very meagre fight and no casualties were suffered in the advance. As the standing barrage on the wood failed to fall CAPT WYKES reorganised and mopped up the wood taking over 100 prisoners. One motor ambulance in good condition was captured on final objective. Repeated endeavours were made to obtain touch with the Division on the right but without success. These efforts were hampered by the resistance of a few scattered enemy posts in the extreme S portion of the wood and by the very heavy shell fire of the enemy which commenced about 10.30am and continued throughout the remainder of the day causing a number of casualties. Subsequently it transpired that the right Division (47th) did not penetrate the wood till next day. |
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